The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1887-09-14
Mr.. MERRlLL'S COMPANION

back on his couch when Rose. his prett
grand daughter, fiuttered in, all lace an'
ribbons, and dainty apparel and danc
ing up TO his side dropped him fantas
tic little courtesy, saying. as she held on
an embroidered purse
See, grandpa, dear, my poor purse i
empty and there is such lovely COS
tune at Madame Blane's. | pust hav,
it. You'll give me the money. won
you?" and she looked down at him Wit
winsome, beseeching smile that has
never yet failed of accomplishing its pur
pose.
surely, dear" said Mr. Merrill, strok
ing the soft little hand held out to him
for he was fond of the merry girl who
came like a ray of sunshine into the dull
ness OF his sick room surely YOU shal
have the money. And now will yoU
read 70 me awhile / am 50 lonely here
now that my old and trusted servant i,
gone"
20, l cannot, grandpa" exclaimed
Rose, with a little cry of dismay. " 1t Is
80 horrid, reading those tiresome old pa.
pers"
We'll, then, sing for me; do, dear" he
entreated.
Don't tease, grandpa" pouted Rose
You know mus. keep my voice fresh
for tonight I've promised 10 sing al
Mrs Gays musicale"
Where Is your mother p Mr. Mer-
rill asked, with patient sigh.
Mamma has gone TO the meeting OF
the Esthetic Culture Society You kn w
that takes all her time. Why don't you
get companion, grandpa? Mamma and
have so many society duties, you surely
cannot expect Us to spend our time in a
rOom."
And Rose gracefully pocketed the mon
ey he gave her, and kissing her hand to
him with an airy, charming laugh, turn
ed away-to meet young DIR. Lysle, who
was lust coming in to make his daily Wis
if to her grandfather.
20, Horace, forgive me !" she exclaim-
ed, and darting back to her grandfather,
she begged his forgiveness, too. DIR.
Lysle was glad 10 believe that she had
not meant her heartiess words, and to
give her the kiss her pouting, tempting
lips begged 50 irresistibly, not fearing
Mr.. Merrill's kindly eyes.
But one result Of Roses suggestion was
that in the next mornings papers APP
peared an advertisement for . Compan-
ion to an invalid, which advertisement
led to second and far more important
result
Mr.. Merrill was Just about deciding
that no one wanted the position, when
the servant ushered in young girl, in a
soft, gray dress-a girl with bright, dark
ewes, and sweet, peaceful face-a very an
gel of the sick-room she looked TO the
weary invalid.
/ fear | have made some mistake,
she said, advancing hesitatingly into the
room but came in response TO an ad-
yertisement in this mornings - for a
companion TO an invalid
Quite right. am the invalid, smil-
ed Mr.. Merrill. You came on behalf of
your brother-or father, perhaps And
he looked up at her inquiringly.
No; | came on my own behalf the
girl replied. blushing deeply. ] thought
il was lady who advertised"
HIN seew mused the old gentle
man, taking up paper which lay near
him. Il see! You looked in the wrong
column"
Without word the girl turned away.
but not before Mr. Merrill had marked
the hopeless look which came over her
face, and the tears which dinmed the
lustre of the dark, bright eyes.
stay he said What do you
know regarding sick people and their
wants r.
NY mother was an invalid for years,
and | was her only nurse" she answered,
a new hope springing to her face.
Poor child :" said Mr.. Merrill, pity
ingly, what Is your name.
Grace Merrill Ross" the girl an
swered.
Grace MerrilI~ he almost shried-
" Child, child your mother"
Yes, it was my mothers name. She
said that some day, perhaps, my grand
father might find me by that name, and
love me and forgive her for my sake,
and if that day ever came, she said l
should tell him, with her dying breath,
that she relented her disobedience. and
begged his forgiveness
Grace, look ut me T. the old man cried
in tremulous tones. q 1 am your grand
father. Can you forgive meT
II was indeed true. That Providence
which We 80 wrongly call chance" had
led Grace to her grandfather's door; and
her mothers soul shining through her
eyes, led her straight into his heart and
love forever
Rose and her mother, coming home
from drive, were met by the astound-
ing news, and FASTENED 70 Mr.. Merrill's